Deke: Saints DE Glenn Foster hoping to make ''Big Impact''

He has a look of confidence typically not seen in undrafted rookie free agents. But, then again, not many have a big impact on their team. Saints DE Glenn Foster is that big impact!

“In college I had a nick name ‘Mr. Impact.’ I was explosive and I showed flash that I was capable of making big plays,” said young Glenn Foster to Bobby Hebert and me, when we asked if he had a nickname.

Impact would be quite fitting for Foster. He made his NFL debut last week with the Saints. In his first NFL game, Glenn Foster had a sack and forced a fumble in the Saints 17-13 win over the Kansas City Chiefs. Now, as the Saints get ready to face the Oakland Raiders, Foster looks to take another step forward.

Foster got his shot with the Saints after a nice career in the Big Ten playing for Illinois. “Coming out of high school I was under the radar. I got a chance to play college ball at Illinois and played on the D-Line,” said an enthusiastic Foster.

Foster had a solid senior season, and recalls his best game as a college football player. “It was against those Buckeyes…the Ohio State game,” smiled Foster. “I had two sacks and that was my best game of my college career.” Foster had two sacks, seven tackles including three tackles for losses.

Foster turned heads at the NFL Scouting Combine this winter, when he ran a 4.8 forty yard dash and did well in all drills. But even with all of the hype from the Combine, Foster did not hear his name called NFL Draft weekend.
“I had a fourth or fifth round draft grade,” said an innocent Foster. “I ended up not being drafted. But it’s not how you get here (NFL), it’s what you do while you’re here.” Foster was very disappointed, but he always felt confident he’d get a chance with an NFL team.

Foster got his chance as a member of the Saints undrafted free agent class. He agreed to terms with the Saints April 28th. Now the young defensive lineman from Chicago likes his standing with the Black & Gold. “I feel pretty awesome,” said the young, hopeful defensive end. “I feel like every day at practice I’m getting better. Technique, fundamentals, watching film, I’m just working on correcting mistakes and doing whatever it takes to become a better player.”
But, does Glenn Foster really have a chance to make the Saints roster? “Hell yes he has a chance,” said Bobby Hebert. “Glenn is playing with a lot of emotion and he brings a needed energy to the Saints defense.”

So far so good for Glenn Foster, this promising young NFL player. The Saints have three preseason games left and many practices in between before final cuts are made later this month.

What does Glenn Foster need to do to make the team? “Continue to take Coach Bill’s (Saints Defensive Line Coach Bill Johnson) coaching,” said Foster. “Right now I feel like I’m on a great path. If I take a step back, I make sure I take two steps forward the next day. I have to keep learning the playbook and apply it every day.”

It’s still early; the pre-season has a long way to go. But on his current path, Glenn Foster may just be the “Mr. Impact” the Saints defense needs to help them become a much better unit in 2013.